Weather in Spain

Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 February 2011 14:13 Thursday, 10 February 2011 10:46

The Weather in Spain

Spain has one of the most stable but, at the same time, most varied climates in Europe.   There are three main weather zones on the mainland: Maritime, Continental and Mediterranean, and one for the Canary Islands. If you are trying to decide what regions to visit and when, check out Spain Travel. 

1)      The temperatures in the northern part of Spain are generally mild and never reach extremes.  This zone is known as Maritime and the weather is moderate most of the time.  The summers are warm and the winters are mild. This area is also known as “Rainy Spain” because of its abundant rainfall throughout the year.  The Basque country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia are located on the narrow strip north of the mountains and these regions have a temperate climate where temperatures vary little throughout the year. 

2)      The central plateau has what is known as a Continental weather zone which means extreme temperatures with little rainfall so temperatures in the summer might rise from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius and get down to below 4 degrees Celsius in the winter. Rain normally falls in spring and autumn and occasionally there are heavy snowfalls in the winter.   

3)      The eastern and southern coasts have what is known as a Mediterranean weather zone and includes Cataluña, Valencia, Murcia, and Balearic Islands.  The weather is generally hot and there are relatively few cold days in the winter. The hours of sunshine are above average with a approximately 12 hours in the summer and around six hours a day in the winter. This is one of the most visited regions in Spain because of the beach like climate and tourists flock here for the sun and the sea.

4)      The Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa are warmer still.  The weather on the islands is generally pleasant throughout the year. The coastal areas have mild temperatures but the interior arid areas can get very hot during the day and very cold at night. The majority of rain in the Canary Islands falls during the winter.